Steve McQueen takes a gamble as the Cincinnati Kid in Norman Jewison’s dazzling poker drama set in 1930’s New Orleans. Edward G. Robinson turns in one of his great performances as the undisputed poker kingpin, “The Man,” whom the Kid is intent on toppling. Karl Malden plays Shooter, basically a decent man forced into a tough situation as he is leaned on by the vengeful Slade (Rip Torn) to deal dirty in the Kid’s poker showdown with the Man. Add to this an ensemble of bit players, including Ann-Margaret, Jack Weston, Tuesday Weld, Joan Blondell, and Cab Calloway; a script by Terry Southern and the blacklisted writer, Ring Lardner Jr. Shot on location in New Orleans, the film features Ray Charles’ classic theme. (1965, 102 min.)